Are there anything I can do if there says someone else claimed a depend but the other parent didn't claim them

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 5, 2025
3 replies
38 views

The irs is saying someone claimed my child but his mother didn't claim him what can I do

xmasbaby0

Level 15

Someone else claimed my dependent and my return was rejected

If someone else claimed your dependent already, then your e-filed return will be rejected. Print, sign and mail your own return which claims your dependent. Mailed returns are processed differently by the IRS. It will take some time (maybe even up to a year) but eventually the IRS will contact both parties and sort out who could rightfully claim the dependent. The person who wrongfully claimed the dependent will face repayment of refund $, plus penalties.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

DoninGA

Level 15

You will have to print and mail your tax return claiming the child on your return. The IRS will pay any refund based on claiming the child as a dependent.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for how to print and mail a tax return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/print-mail-return-turbotax-online/L5bwuqXGy_US_en_US?uid=m6sh5ztz

Within a year the IRS will contact you and the other party to investigate who should have claimed the child as a dependent.. The lose of the investigation has to pay back the refund based on the dependent plus penalties and interest.

MindyB

Level 13

Yes. First, double-check your entry for the child's Social Security number to be sure it matches their Social Security card exactly. ‌If you are sure it is correct, as @xmasbaby0 said, what you can do is paper-file your return.‌ You (and your child) may be the victim of identity theft.

What will happen is that the IRS will process the return. Both parties that claim the child will receive a letter telling you what to do next. One of the parties will need to amend their return to remove the child. If that doesn't happen, and audit will take place to determine who gets to claim the child. Here is some more information on the process: What to do when someone fraudulently claims your dependent